CHPE4712, Chemical Engineering Lab.

II Experiment 3: Fluid Mixing Apparatus

Experiment 3: Fluid Mixing Apparatus

Objective To show how the power consumed by a mixer varies with speed, type of impeller, and with the inclusion of baffles. Equipment Set-up Fluid Mixing Apparatus filled with medium or light oil up to a depth of 0.3m, flat paddle and turbine impellers, screw propeller; sets of baffles.

Summary of Theory Power (W) = Torque (T) x Angular Speed (rad/s) Torque (T) = Force recorded on spring balance x length of torque arm (0.11 m) (r) Procedure: Fill the tank up to a depth of 0.3m with light oil and attach the flat paddle impeller, 0.09m x 0.06m with the base of the bush level with the end of the shaft. Release the balance adjustment clamp, and allow the dynamometer arm to move freely. To set the dynamometer to a neutral position use the setting bar and adjust the tension spring as Page 1 of 2

CHPE4712, Chemical Engineering Lab. II Experiment 3: Fluid Mixing Apparatus

necessary. Adjust the length of the cord so that the indicator aligns with the mark on the datum plate in the neutral position. Increase the speed control knob in gradual increments and record the speed on the speed indicator and the force on the balance at each speed of the mixer. Repeat using the turbine impeller and other flat bladed paddles. The experiment can be repeated using angled rather than vertical paddles. Repeat with the baffles fitted with each flat paddle and the turbine impeller. Results: Flat paddle blade Angular Speed r.p.m. Angular Speed (rad/s) Force F (N) Torque T (Nm )
-2

Power W (Watts)

Torque arm (r) = 0.11 m Angular speed () = r.p.m. x 2/60 = rad/s

Plot the power consumed vs. speed with and without baffles. Plot the power consumed vs. area at different speed values without baffles only. Plot the power consumed vs. area at different torque values without baffles only. Discuss the shape of the curves.

Page 2 of 2